STILLWATER, Okla. -- Oklahoma States strong performance last season and the return of 18 starters have earned the Cowboys a better starting position this year.Last season, the Cowboys opened the season unranked before Mason Rudolphs powerful arm led them to 10 straight wins and a No. 4 spot in the AP poll. The Cowboys lost their final three games last season, including the Sugar Bowl. Still, they left an impression, and Rudolph is back to lead a team that opens at No. 21.Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy understands the importance of that ranking and the perception that goes with it heading into Saturdays opener against Southeastern Louisiana.Being ranked is good, in national perspective, Gundy said. When they slide it (the school name) along the bottom of the screen, youre getting free marketing for the university, for your team when the rankings go up and millions of viewers see it. But in the end, you have to still play the games, and that all is going to take care of itself as the season progresses.The Cowboys will need to take care of Southeastern Louisiana, an FCS program that went 4-7 last year, in convincing fashion. Even the appearance of a slip could cost them dearly, and theres no major power on the non-conference slate to provide a potential boost. Next weeks opponent, Central Michigan, isnt receiving votes in the Top 25 and Pittsburgh, the following opponent, received 15 votes in the preseason poll.Here are some things to watch Saturday:BARRY J. SANDERSThe son of 1988 Heisman winner Barry Sanders isnt as explosive as his dad was, but hes still dangerous. The graduate transfer from Stanford is listed as Oklahoma States No. 1 kickoff return man, but others will get chances.REPLACING ATEMANOklahoma State receiver Marcell Ateman had surgery in July to repair a broken bone in his foot, and Gundy said he isnt sure when hell return. Ateman caught 45 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns last season.I dont know that we ever feel good about losing a player the caliber that Ateman should be for our team, but thats one of those areas we talk about, Gundy said. We control what we can control. We certainly cant do anything about it, so we move the next guy in.Chris Lacy, who has 12 caree